Ekadashi Vrat

Ekadashi Vrat

is considered as one of the most significant vrat in the Hindu Calendar which is observed on a large scale by the Hindu Community. ‘Ekadashi’ has been inferred from the Sanskrit language which means ‘Eleven’. It occurs on the 11th day of every fortnight in the Hindu Lunar Calendar. There are two Ekadashis falling every month, namely Shukla Paksha (falling during the waxing phase of the moon) and Krishna Paksha (falling during the waning phase of the moon). You can check the Ekadashi dates 2017 and all the relevant information here.

In the Hindu community, a strict vrat is observed on this day as per the Hindu scriptures.The vrat is observed from the sunset on the day before Ekadashi until sunrise on the day after Ekadashi, so the vrat last for 48 hours in total.

Importance of Ekadashi / Significance of Ekadashi

Ekadashi is also termed as “Hari Vasara” and “Hari din” as mentioned in the Hindu Puranas. The occasion of Ekadashi is observed by both Vaishnavas and Non-Vaishnavas community. The importance of Ekadashi Vrata is even mentioned in the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. All the devotees who keep this fast do not eat cereals, wheat, spices and certain vegetables. The devotees start preparing for the vrata on Dashami which falls on the day before Ekadashi. A ritual bath is taken by the devotees on Dashmi early in the morning before preparing for the vrat. On this day, only one meal is consumed by the devotees in the whole day in which salt is avoided.

Ekadashi Fast Rules

Fresh fruits, dry fruits, vegetables, nuts and milk products are among the most preferred foods consumed on this day. In some parts of India, Sabudana Khichdi made from sabudana, groundnuts and potatoes is consumed heavily. On this day, usage of alcohol, non-vegetarian food and sex are avoided. Even dal and honey is also avoided on the day of Dashami. The following day is Ekadashi day on which complete fasting is observed. Few people do not even consume water on this day and this is known as Nirjala Ekadashi. On this day, Lord Vishnu is worshiped throughout the day through various prayers, mantras, and pujas. Various Aartis, Ekadashi Vrata Katha, Ekadashi story and spiritual speeches are performed during the night by some of the devotees.

After the Ekadashi, the next day is known as Dwadashi day. On this day the same routine is followed as on Dashami day. Bath is taken early in the morning, prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu by lighting a diya (a small lamp). The fast is broken by eating the food prepared on the day of Dashami.

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